Baja Shrimp Tacos: Fresh, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Night

Craving a taste of the coast? These Baja Shrimp Tacos bring the fresh, vibrant flavors of Baja California straight to your kitchen! Featuring crispy shrimp, tangy slaw, and a creamy Baja-style sauce, these tacos are light, refreshing, and ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this easy, restaurant-quality recipe!

Key Benefits

Why you’ll love this recipe:

• Quick and easy: Ready in 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Fresh and flavorful: Combines crispy shrimp, tangy slaw, and creamy sauce.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings or spice level.
• Crowd-pleaser: Great for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Baja Slaw:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Baja Sauce:

• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

For Serving:

• 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps:

1. Prep the Shrimp:
   • In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Baja Slaw:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper.
   • Toss the shredded cabbage in the dressing until well-coated.
4. Prepare the Baja Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce (if using), and garlic powder.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
   • Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
   • Layer each tortilla with Baja slaw, crispy shrimp, and a drizzle of Baja sauce.
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or extra hot sauce to the Baja sauce.
• Grill the shrimp: For a smoky flavor, grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for dredging.
• Add toppings: Try avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or pickled onions for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these tacos with:

• Mexican street corn or a side of black beans.
• A refreshing mango salsa or guacamole.
• A cold margarita or lime-infused sparkling water.

Conclusion

These Baja Shrimp Tacos are a delicious way to bring coastal flavors to your table. With crispy shrimp, tangy slaw, and creamy Baja sauce, they’re a meal that’s both light and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, they’re sure to impress. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media. For more quick and flavorful recipes, subscribe to our blog!

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Thaw the shrimp in cold water before cooking.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store the shrimp, slaw, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prep the slaw and sauce ahead, and cook the shrimp just before serving.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat the shrimp?
A: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep them crispy.

Recipe Recap

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 320 per serving

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)